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Monday, April 12, 2010

Justice still optimistic...for 2011

Richard Justice is still optimistic about the Astros. Just that it's the 2012 Astros he's optimistic about:

And there's your optimism, or at least some of it. In Norris, Paulino, Manzella and Johnson — and in Jason Castro, Jordan Lyles, etc., in the minors — the Astros have kids who have a chance to get better. That's the difference between this team and the over-the-hill gang they've thrown onto the diamond the last few years.

Mainly, though, my optimism is based on the fact the Astros appear to be doing a lot of things right as an organization and appear to have the right people in place. That hasn't been the case since Gerry Hunsicker walked out the door and Phil Garner was canned.

They've force-fed the 2008 draft class through the minor leagues and could have a half-dozen of those players, especially outfielder T.J. Steele and righthander Lyles, on the threshold of the major leagues this time next year.

In an odd way, the nation's economic problems have forced Drayton McLane to do the right thing. With revenues in free fall, he hasn't had the stomach to write another big check.

5 comments:

Ryan Sides
said...

Talk about the economy... did you see the crowds this past week?! They're announcing numbers this year that are lower than years past at the end of the season when we've all lost hope. Usually season ticket holders would keep the numbers high, but I guess not this year. My parents said they've never seen a Friday night crowd as bad as this one, which is crazy considering it's opening week against the NL champs...

The Astros need way way way way more than what we have currently at the major league and minor league level in the form of young talent. These next few drafts are crucial unless Jordan Lyles and Jason Castro are the superstars that we will need to lead the Astros into a new era. GO BOBBY HECK!

Taillon could go with the first overall pick (though it's still likely Bryce Harper)... I'd bet money he won't fall to us in the draft.

Start looking forward to Rice product Anthony Rendon with the #1 pick in next year's draft! Slugging third baseman, above average defensively, patient and hits for both average and power. Drawing comps to Evan Longoria.

YAY I probably should go to a Rice game. They might win one. I like the sound of an Evan Longoria prototype. Just please nobody start the "lets tank" comments. I think I'll lose my mind, if I haven't already. Interesting nonetheless though.

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